FEATURE ARTICLES

Silicone polymers have the unique ability to lower the surface tension of organic oils and thereby present a different aesthetic effect in cosmetic formulations. This allows silicone polymers to be added at less than 10% concentration and often less than 5% concentration and provide a different customer experience than achieved by standard silicones.

Volatile linear silicones are low molecular weight fluids (varying from 0.65 cSt to 2 cSt) which are excellent clear odourless emollients for personal care.

The world’s ocean biodiversity is an endless source of new active ingredients. In the past 30 years, interest has been growing for marine products and especially microalgae for cosmetics, pharmacy, food and bioenergy applications.

Cosmetic scrub products are made from exfoliating particles which use a mechanical action to scrub the skin. The exfoliating ingredients are small abrasive grains of calibrated size. Several types of raw materials can be used. The characteristics of the exfoliating particles vary according to the origin of the raw material.

Natural cosmetic and personal care products have long since developed beyond another trend. Products that are heavily promoted for their natural content are the ‘new normal’ and as such ingredient suppliers are investing extensively in developing new natural ingredients that deliver on efficacy as well as their positive INCI names.

Pollution and its impact on the skin have recently become the main topic at all important cosmetic events, and products claiming to protect the skin from pollution effects are a major trend in the cosmetic and personal care industry

The harmful effect of pollution on health is a well-recognised fact that no one denies anymore. The consequences of air, water, soil and food contaminants can be felt in many organs. Even noise pollution, which is less remarked, has detrimental effects on human health and behaviour.

A key trend that will impact Asia Pacific’s beauty and personal care industry in 2017 is ‘Active Beauty’. Consumers are being encouraged to exercise their bodies and brains, and beauty brands will formulate products to help them in their quest for health and fitness.

Since 2015, in-cosmetics Korea has been attracting exhibitors and visitors to the South Korean capital of Seoul with the aim of benefiting from the country’s worldleading scientific and technological infrastructure.

Natural, organic, green, sustainable - these are buzzwords we are bombarded with every day as consumers, marketeers and scientists. However, many of these words hide a world of confusion and discussion within the cosmetic industry.

Olive squalane has seen a tremendous increase in consumption since shark liver oil was prohibited in cosmetics in Europe. Its exceptional sensorial profile including an excellent skin biocompatibility with a moisturising effect made it a favourite with cosmetic formulators.

Epigenetics is gaining strong interest in the cosmetics field, being understood as an alternative but powerful approach to control biological processes such as skin ageing. Inspired by this concept, the new Reproage™ peptide was launched. After several efficacy tests, the cosmetic active ingredient showed to help skin regeneration properties last longer and improve the skin’s appearance, with an enhanced smoothness and radiance.

Half of the world’s population lives in cities and consequently pollution is now a major concern for a large number of consumers. It is not only a concern regarding the pollution’s impact on the Earth, but also on people’s health in general and in particular on the skin.

Skin pigmentation results from the synthesis and distribution of melanin in the skin. Increased melanin production is a result of either UV exposure or various disorders characterised by the appearance of dark spots on the skin

Environmental pollution has now become the talk of the world. It is very important to keep in mind that more than half of the world’s population now lives in an urban area. It is assumed that by 2030, 60% of the world’s population will be living in towns and cities, rising to 70% by 2050.1

Fluorescent materials absorb light energy, and re-emit it at a longer wavelength. Fluorescence is used in a range of industries, including cosmetics. Usually, synthetic substances are employed.

A novel neurocosmetic soothing active, a biomimetic peptide inspired by the analgesic component of sea anemone venom, immediately comforts sensitive skin after the first application.

The Zika virus epidemic in particular has highlighted the threat resulting from bloodsucking parasites. In the past, Europeans attributed health concerns mostly to ticks, while mosquitoes were regarded mainly as a nuisance.

Oatmeal has been used for many centuries as a soothing agent to relieve itch and irritation associated with various dry skin conditions. In 1945, a ready to use colloidal oatmeal, produced by finely grinding the oat and boiling it to extract the colloidal material, became commercially available.1 Today, colloidal oatmeal is available in various dosage forms from powders for bathing to shampoos, shaving gels, and moisturising creams.

Ageing is one of the unavoidable processes in life and can be defined as changes in structures and tissue processes that affect related organs and systems with time.